Fargo Hotel turns back time, opens for lunch

SYCAMORE—In time for the annual Sycamore “Turning Back Time” event, the Fargo Hotel saw the installation of its building signage on Friday morning as a crew from Aurora Sign Company installed the Jane Fargo Hotel and Mitchel Lounge signs to the exterior of the building. The signs were a long-time project for owner, Rachel Bauer.

“I can’t believe they are finally here. We put a lot of effort into the design and details, and there are many people to thank for their support and contributions,” she said.

The signs were designed to reflect the building’s history and create a more timeless classic look. The original building sign from 1926 was considered, as well as the building’s cornerstone anchor to downtown Sycamore.

Shortly after taking ownership of the former Stratford Inn, Bauer announced that she had planned to rename the property Jane Fargo Hotel in honor of its history as the Fargo. The restaurant, known as the Carls Fargo, was closed and reopened in October of 2011 as the Mitchel Lounge.